Girls in the Physics Classroom: A teachers’ guide for action

A guide for teachers on how to put the research on girls in physics into practice.

This guide includes practical suggestions to improve your practice as well as guidance on identifying the issues that may be affecting girls’ experience of physics in your own school.

It aims to inform teachers about how girls experience physics and what influences their motivation for, and learning of, the subject. The practical advice is grounded in work carried out in classrooms and the methods suggested have been used successfully by other teachers and their students. The intention is to promote informed debate about this important issue.

The resource suggests that girls are more likely to continue with physics after the age of 16 if:

Physics is taught in a way that engages with the interests of young people

There is an expectation that anyone can do physics

Classrooms are managed to ensure active participation by students

The focus of learning is ideas rather than unconnected facts

Students feel supported in their learning

Young people understand the contribution that physics makes to society and can make to their lives

Many of the changes suggested in this guide simply represent good classroom practice and are likely to support both boys and girls in their learning.

Related information

Girls in physics

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